Sreebrata Goswami

Recent advances on the chemistry of transition metal complexes of 2-(arylazo)pyridines and its arylamino derivatives

Recent advancement on the redox properties of a selection of transition metal complexes of the azoaromatic ligands: bidentate L(1) [2-(arylazo)pyridine] and tridentate HL(2) [2-(aminoarylphenylazo)pyridine] are described and compared. Due to the presence of a low lying azo-centered π*-orbital, these azoaromatic ligands may exist in multiple valent states. The coordination chemistry of the L(1) ligands was thoroughly studied during the 1980s. These complexes undergo facile reduction in solution at low accessible potentials. One electron reduced azo-complexes, though known for a long time to occur in solution, have only recently been isolated in a crystalline state. New synthetic protocols for the synthesis of metal-bound azo-radical complexes have been developed. Low-valent metal complexes such as metal carbonyls have been found to be excellent starting materials for this purpose. In a few selected cases, syntheses of these complexes were also achieved from very high valent metal oxides using triphenylphosphine as both a reducing and oxo-abstracting agent. Issues related to the ambiguities of the electronic structures in the azo-metal complexes have been discussed considering bond parameters, redox and spectral properties. Unusual redox events such as RIET (Redox-Induced Electron Transfer) phenomena in a few systems have been elaborated and compared with the known example. Novel examples of N=N bond cleavage reactions via four-electron reduction and subsequent C-N bond formation in metal-bound coordinated ligands have been noted.

Azo Anion Radical Complex of Rhodium as a Molecular Memory Switching Device: Isolation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Current–Voltage Characteristics

Two rare examples of azo anion diradical complexes of Rh(III) are reported. These complexes showed excellent memory switching properties with a large ON/OFF ratio and are suitable for RAM/ROM applications. Their electronic structures have been elucidated using a host of physical methods, including X-ray crystallography, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement, cyclic voltammetry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory. The results indicate a predominant triplet state description of the systems with two ferromagnetically coupled radicals.

Singlet diradical complexes of ruthenium and osmium: geometrical and electronic structures and their unexpected changes on oxidation.

Reaction of HL, HLa (2-[(2-N-phenylamino)phenylazo]pyridine), HLb (2-[{2-N-(4-methylphenyl)amino}phenylazo]pyridine), or HLc (2-[{2-N-(4-chlorophenyl)amino}phenylazo]pyridine), with KRuO4 or OsO4 and PPh3 under exhaustive deoxygenation (PPh3 --> OPPh3) yields diamagnetic compounds ML2. Crystal structure determination for M(La)2 indicates the radical dianion state, L2(.-), for the ligands as evident from the typical N-N bond length of about 1.33 A for a one-electron reduced azo function. The resulting spin-coupled complexes, MIV(L(2.-))2, can be oxidized in two reversible one-electron steps, as probed by cyclic voltammetry and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry. The paramagnetic intermediates, [M(La)2]+, are distinguished by intense NIR absorption, largely metal-centered spin as revealed by EPR, and, in the case of [Os(La)2]I3, by crystallographically determined shortening of the NN bond to about 1.30 A, corresponding to a coordinated unreduced azo function. Thus, oxidation of the complex MIV(L(2.-))2 involves partial reduction of the metal in [MIII(L-)2]+ because intramolecular double electron transfer is offsetting the external charge removal. Density-functional theory calculations were employed to confirm the structural features and to support the spectroscopic assignments.

Isolation and assessment of the molecular and electronic structures of azo-anion-radical complexes of chromium and molybdenum. Experimental and theoretical characterization of complete electron-transfer series.

The reaction of 3 equiv of the ligand 2-[(2-chlorophenyl)azo]pyridine (L(a)) or 2-[(4-chlorophenyl)azo]pyridine (L(b)) with 1 equiv of Cr(CO)(6) or Mo(CO)(6) in boiling n-octane afforded [Cr(L(a/b))(3)](0) (1a and 1b) and [Mo(L(a/b))(3)](0) (2a and 2b). The chemical oxidation reaction of these neutral complexes with I(2) in CH(2)Cl(2) provided access to air-stable one-electron-oxidized species as their triiodide (I(3)(-)) salts. The electronic structures of chromium and molybdenum centers coordinated by the three redox noninnocent ligands L(a/b) along with their redox partners have been elucidated by using a host of physical methods: X-ray crystallography, magnetic susceptibility measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance, cyclic voltammetry, absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory. The four representative complexes, 1a, [1a]I(3), 2a, and [2a]I(3), have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The results indicate a predominant azo-anion-radical description of the ligands in the neutral chromium(III) species, [Cr(III)(L(•-))(3)], affording a singlet ground state through strong metal-ligand antiferromagnetic coupling. All of the electrochemical processes are ligand-based; i.e., the half-filled (t(2g))(3) set of the Cr(III) d(3) ion remains unchanged throughout. The description of the molybdenum analogue is less clear-cut because mixing between metal- and ligand-based orbitals is more significant. On the basis of variations in net spin densities and orbital compositions, we argue that the oxidation events are again primarily ligand-based, although the electron density at the molybdenum center is clearly more variable than that at the chromium center in the corresponding series [1a](+), 1a, and [1a](-).

MONOVALENT COPPER COMPLEXES OF N-ARYL- PYRIDINE-2-ALDIMINE. SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND STRUCTURE

Abstract —A direct synthetic route, based on silver(I) assisted metal exchange reaction, to cationic bis-ligand complexes of copper(I) involving N-aryl-pyridine-2-aldimines (L, 1) has been studied. These complexes are obtained as their perchlorates, [Cu(L) 2 ]ClO 4 (2). They have been characterized with the help of spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The X-ray structure of [Cu(L 2 ) 2 ]ClO 4 , where L 2 is N-p-tolyl-pyridine-2-aldimine is reported. There are two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The ligand L 2 coordinates in a bidentate manner providing a highly distorted tetrahedral geometry about copper. The complexes show highly resolved symmetrical 1 H NMR spectra. Intense MLCT absorptions are observed in the visible range. In methanol the CuL 2 2+ /CuL 2 + couple has E 1/2 ca, 0.35 V vs SCE at 298 K. The moderately high positive potential is brought about by the distortion in the geometry of CuL 2 2+ .

Isomeric complexes of ruthenium(II) with neutral heterocyclic schiff base ligands. High resolution proton resonance spectra of trans-cis isomeric pairs of RuX2L2 (L 2-arylpyridinecarboxaldimine, X Cl, Br) and comparison of their physical properties

Abstract The reaction of 2-arylpyridinecarboxaldimine [RH4C6NC(H)Py, L (1)] with hydrated RuX3 (X  Cl, Br) in boiling C2H5OH affords dark crystals of RuX2L2. Two geometrical isomers of the compound have been isolated and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data. The trans isomer of RuCl2L2 shows a single sharp band for ν(RuCl), whereas two bands are observed for the corresponding cis isomer. The highresolution 1H NMR spectra of the isolated complexes are reported and completely assigned. All the complexes have multiple t2→π*(L) transitions in the visible region. Each of the complexes display a quasi-reversible oxidative response due to an RuIII/RuII couple in the range 0.25–0.40 V vs S.C.E. at a platinum working electrode. The formal potentials of this couple obey the Hammett relationship. The ligand-based irreversible oxidations are also briefly noted.

Redox Induced Electron Transfer in Doublet Azo-Anion Diradical Rhenium(II) Complexes. Characterization of Complete Electron Transfer Series

Reactions of dirhenium decacarbonyl with the two azoaromatic ligands, L(a) = (2-phenylazo)pyridine and L(b) = (4-chloro-2-phenylazo)pyridine (general abbreviation of the ligands is L) afford paramagnetic rhenium(II) complexes, [Re(II)(L(*-))(2)(CO)(2)] (1) (S = 1/2 ground state) with two one-electron reduced azo-anion radical ligands in an octahedral geometrical arrangement. At room temperature (300 K) the complexes 1a-b, showed magnetic moments (mu(eff)) close to 1.94 mu(B), which is suggestive of the existence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions in the complexes. The results of magnetic measurements on one of the complexes, 1b, in the temperature range 2-300 K are reported. The above complexes showed two cathodic and two anodic responses in cyclic voltammetry where one-electron oxidation leads to an unusual redox event involving simultaneous reduction of the rhenium(II) and oxidation of the second ligand via intramolecular electron transfer. The oxidized complexes 1a(+) and 1b(+) are air stable and were isolated as crystalline solids as their tri-iodide (I(3)(-)) salts. The structures of the two representative complexes, 1b and [1b]I(3), as determined by X-ray crystallography, are compared. The anionic complexes, [1](-) and [1](2-) were characterized in solution by their spectral properties.

Mild Synthesis of a Family of Planar Triazinium Cations via Proton-Assisted Cyclization of Pyridyl Containing Azo Compounds and Studies on DNA Intercalation

An efficient synthesis of a family of heteroaromatic triazinium compounds, [2a]X-[2g]X (X = Cl, ClO4, NO3, and HSO4), from 2-(arylazo)pyridines via proton-catalyzed heterocyclization is described. Characterization of the compounds is made by different spectroscopic, electrochemical techniques, as well as single-crystal structure determination of the triflate salt of a representative compound, [2a]CF3SO3. The bond parameters indicate that the tricyclo compound, 2a(+), is planar and aromatic with a N-N bond length of 1.275(6) A. These exhibited fluorescence with an emission maximum in the range of 540-535 nm with moderate quantum yields. The triazinium salts can be reduced in two successive one-electron steps as probed by cyclic voltammetry and coulometry. The paramagnetic radical intermediate 2a(*) is distinguished by a sharp and intense EPR spectrum. Fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, cyclic voltammetry, viscosity measurements, together with DNA melting studies have been used to characterize the binding of 2a(+) with calf thymus DNA. The emission quenching of the compound by [Fe(CN)6](4-) decreased when bound to DNA. As determined by a MTT assay, 2a(+) exhibited significant cytotoxicity at a higher concentration range of 1 mg/mL to 1 microg/mL; however, the % survival ratio increased with dilution. Cellular uptake studies of the referenced compound were followed by FACS analysis.

Transition-Metal-Promoted C−N Bond-Formation Processes − Low-Spin FeIII, FeII, and NiII Complexes of 2-[(Arylamido)phenylazo]pyridine − X-ray Structure, Redox- and Spectroelectrochemistry

The metal-promoted amination of an aromatic ring of coordinated L1 [L1, pap = 2-(phenylazo)pyridine] is described. Whereas the labile cobalt complex [Co(L1)3]2+ prefers ortho-amination, yielding L2H {2-[2-(arylamino)phenylazo]pyridine}, the corresponding [Fe(L1)3]2+ complex produces the para-aminated product L3H {2-[4-(arylamino)phenylazo]pyridine}. Both L2H and L3H have been isolated in the pure state and were fully characterised. They have low pKa values, for example pKa(L2aH) = 8.5 ± 1 and pKa(L3aH) = 9.1 ± 1. Upon deprotonation, the ligand L2H behaves as a potential tridentate N,N,N donor. It reacts with anhydrous FeCl3 and NiCl2·6H2O to produce cationic [Fe(L2)2]+ (1+) and neutral [Ni(L2)2] (2), respectively. The cationic ferric complex has been isolated as its perchlorate salt, which is paramagnetic with one unpaired electron (1.66 μB). It shows a rhombic EPR spectrum with g1 = 2.11, g2 = 2.08, g3 = 1.93. The room-temperature magnetic moment of the nickel complex is 2.89 μB, which confirms the presence of two unpaired electrons. The representative X-ray structures of [1]ClO4 and 2 are reported. In both cases the azo nitrogen atoms of the coordinated ligand, [L2]− approach the metal centres more closely, and there is a significant degree of ligand backbone conjugation. The complexes display multiple redox responses. Chemical reduction of 1+ with dilute hydrazine affords the corresponding ferrous complex [Fe(L2)2] (1) in almost quantitative yield. The spectral changes upon electrolysis of the above couples have been recorded in an OTTLE cell.

An unusual (H2O)20 discrete water cluster in the supramolecular host of a charge transfer platinum(II) complex: cytotoxicity and DNA cleavage activities

The chemical reaction of Pt(II)(L(1))Cl(2) [L(1) = N-4-tolylpyridine-2-aldimine] with a bidentate N,S-donor atom ligand, 2-methylthioaniline, (HL(2)) in alkaline methanolic medium yielded a mixed ligand donor-acceptor complex, [Pt(II)(L(1))(L(2))]Cl, [1]Cl. The complex has been characterized by different spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The complex showed intense interligand charge transfer (ILCT) transition in the long wavelength region of UV-vis spectrum (>600 nm). The single-crystal X-ray structure of complex, [1]Cl·3.3H(2)O is reported. The cationic complex upon crystallization from aqueous methanol solvent produces an assembly of discrete, three dimensional (H(2)O)(20) guest moiety within the reference Pt-complex host lattice. The water assembly showed a unique type of aggregation of a distorted cube encapsulated by hydrogen bonded network of a twelve-water ring. The complex displayed one reversible cathodic response at -0.75 V and two irreversible anodic responses at 0.42 and 0.79 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The redox processes are characterized by EPR and spectroelectrochemistry. Density-functional theory calculations were employed to confirm the structural features and to support the spectral and redox properties of the complex. The square-planar complex has been found to intercalate DNA. Fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, cyclic voltammetry, viscosity measurements, together with DNA melting studies have been employed to characterize the binding of [1]Cl with calf thymus DNA. Agarose gel electrophoresis indicates that the complex cleaves supercoiled (SC) pUC19 plasmid DNA to its nicked circular (NC) form via singlet oxygen. As determined by a MTT assay, [1]Cl exhibits significant cytotoxicity with IC(50) value 58 μM.